Top artistic veterans coming soon

You don’t necessarily associate military veterans with music, drama, dance and visual arts.

That’s why the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival, which will be in San Antonio next week, should be a good time to appreciate the hidden talents of some of our most gifted vets.

San Antonio is the host city this year for the annual event, which will feature more than 120 veterans who emerged in competitions with some 3,500 others during the year.

If you know much about Heloise — you know, the silver-haired lady with the household hints — then it shouldn’t surprise you to know that she’s going to be the mistress of ceremonies for the variety stage show at 2 p.m. Oct. 11, at Municipal Auditorium.

I did a story on Heloise in January, when she did a high-altitude jump with the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team, and reported on her upbringing as the daughter of an Air Force pilot and her military ties.

Actress Bo Derek, honorary chairperson of the VA’s National Rehabilitation Special Events, is to attend the event. Veterans will begin rehearsals and workshops on Monday, in preparation for the show and art exhibit. Both the exhibit and the show will be free to the public, although details about how to get access tickets haven’t been annouced.